Managing measurement: planning and steering research productivity

Abstract

The paper focuses on the iterative relationship between planning and review, and the use of performance indicators in annual cycles of research review and realignment. In a large, complex institution such as the University of Pretoria, a further strategy central to research productivity is the internal differentiation of academic activity. Not only is this a necessary condition in shaping the research profile of the University, but also in harnessing the diversity of research activity and, critically, ensuring sufficient high-end research capacity to comp\ete in the global world of research and innovation. The paper includes a discussion of the value and shortcomings of external indices including world rankings of universities, in benchmarking the performance of individual institutions.